Kitten Health Care

We believe in a preventive medicine approach to health care. Many infectious diseases can be prevented by routine vaccinations. Easy to use, once a month treatments will prevent heartworms, intestinal parasites and fleas and ticks. The physical examination is a major component of the preventive medical approach to health care. Physical exams frequently reveal minor problems before they develop into serious illnesses. It is far less costly to you and your pet to prevent diseases than to treat them.

Your Kitten's First Visit: A thorough physical exam of your kitten is important, but not the only reason for the visit. We hope to inform you about proper home care as well as veterinary care of your kitten. We want to answer all your questions and make sure you and your kitten get off to a good start. Your kitten needs a physical exam as soon as possible, preferably within the first 48 hours. We want to be sure that you have a healthy kitten and we want to make sure he remains healthy. Physical exams are given with all vaccinations.

Antifreeze: very small amounts will kill your kitten. Dispose of antifreeze appropriately and beware of spills in your driveway.

Exam:We recommend regular physical examinations for your cat or kitten. The first visit includes a complete physical examination, and young animals should have a complete physical examination yearly and whenever problems develop. We recommend bi-annual physical examinations for all cats over 7 years of age to help keep them healthy and happy for a long time.

Vaccines:

A Vaccination Program will be tailored to your pet and is dependent on the health of your new kitten, his age, his medical history, and his needs. Generally, vaccinations begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age and are repeated every 3 weeks until he has received two vaccinations after or three vaccines.

FDRTCV (Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis) - This vaccine, considered a “core” vaccine, is recommended for ALL cats. This protects your kitten from several possibly severe diseases. Several boosters are needed to protect your kitten. Parvovirus information; Rhinotracheitis information;

Rabies - All kittens and cats should receive Rabies vaccines.

Feline Leukemia - Recommended for all kittens. Also for cats that spend time outdoors, and those that may come in contact with outdoor cats. More information

Feline Leukemia & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Testing (FeLV/FIV):We recommend that every new kitten (or cat) be tested for these important viruses. Kittens can be infected from their mothers with these viruses which both have similarities to the HIV virus in people. Early testing can help you plan for a healthy life for your new kitten. Leukemia information; Feline Aids information

Fecal Examination & Deworming:Checks for and treats intestinal parasites which may be harmful to your kitten and you. We will generally de-worm your kitten initially. Repeat fecal exams are often needed to ensure your kitten’s health. These parasites can all potentially cause problems in people also. Good hand washing (especially with the kids) will prevent problems! More information

Common intestinal parasites:

Roundworms: The most common intestinal parasite. Very commonly found in kittens, passed from their mothers. Adult worms resemble spaghetti. More serious symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and a pot-bellied appearance. More information

Hookworms: Also fairly commonly found. Acquired from infected mothers and contaminated environments. Adult worms are small, and not readily seen in stool or vomit. Can cause diarrhea and anemia which can be dangerous in kittens. More information

Tapeworms: Tapeworms are long, flat, segmented worms that live in the small intestine. They are acquired when your cat ingests fleas containing tapeworm eggs. These are not often detected on the fecal examination, but rather, when the segments are seen around the anus, or on the outside of the stool. These segments resemble a grain of rice. These worms are less harmful to your pet. More information

Coccidia: These parasites are not worms, but rather protozoa. Contracted though contaminated environments, stress can trigger symptoms. The most common symptom is a watery diarrhea, which may be severe in kittens. This parasite may be transmitted directly to people also. More information

Spay & Neuter:

SpaySpay is the common term for surgical sterilization of female animals. The medical term for this procedure is a complete ovariohysterectomy. The entire female reproductive system (the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus) is removed through an incision in the abdomen.Benefits of Spaying:

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Spayed female cats will not come into heat and you will not have the annoying monthly cycle of howling and tail flashing.

No unwanted litters: 61% of dogs and 75% of cats entering animal shelters are killed.

NeuterNeuter is the common term for the surgical sterilization of male animals. Castration is the medical term for this procedure. In dogs, both testicles are removed through an incision near the scrotum. In cats, both testicles are removed through two small incisions in the scrotum.Benefits of Neutering Cats:

Kittens can often be accustomed to having their teeth brushed at home on a daily basis, if started early. As cats age, plaque and tartar will build up on their teeth. This means most cats will eventually need a complete dental cleaning under anesthesia to keep them healthy. More information

Flea & Tick Prevention:We have several options for flea & tick prevention in your pet. Most of these products also help control intestinal worms and prevent Heartworms. These include several monthly topical medication and oral options. Ask us what product we recommend for your “baby”.

Heartworm Prevention:We have several options for Heartworm prevention in your pet. Most of these products also help control flea, ticks and intestinal worms. These include several monthly topical medication and oral options. Ask us what product we recommend for your “baby”. More information

Grooming:You should be regularly brushing your cat. Your cat’s grooming needs can be taken care of with our groomer, Vee. She is available during the week. Vee can do everything from the basic bath to clipping for your long haired felines! Many cats will require tranquilizers to facilitate less stressful baths. More information

Getting Started with the Litter Box:Usually, litter box training your kitten is fairly easy. Cats are “pre-wired” to cover their urine and stool. Generally, you just need to provide the appropriate location- a clean litter box. Confine your new kitten to a small area with your litter box initially. As your kitten learns the appropriate location to eliminate, you can expand the area gradually. Keep the litter box nearby and easily accessible to your kitten.

Chart Summary

The Indian Head Animal Hospital recommends a schedule of health visits, immunizations, and screening tests to ensure your puppy's health based on recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association. Your veterinarian will examine and discuss growth, nutrition, development, house training, dental care and any other age-appropriate health matters or client questions during each visit. The following schedule is a guideline only and informative in nature. Your veterinarian will provide you with a specific schedule based on your puppy's health, life style and vaccination history.

Age in weeks

6

9

12

16

19

Comprehensive Physical Exam

x

x

x

x

Rabies Vaccinations

x

FVRCP Vaccine

x

x

x

x

FELV Vaccine

x

x

Fecal Analysis

x

x

x

Heartworm Preventative

MONTHLY YEAR ROUND

Flea and Tick Control

MONTHLY YEAR ROUND

Spay (ovarian hysterectomy)

5 to 6 months of age

Neuter (castration)

Kitten Dental Care

Begin dental care program now!

Grooming

Gegin grooming care as soon as possible

Note: These guidelines are for information only. Your veterinarian may make changes based on your kittens's health, medical history, and lifestyle.